Ford pact may keep plants open

DETROIT  The tentative four-year contract between Ford Motor Co. and the United Auto Workers keeps all U.S. assembly plants open during its life, according to two people familiar with the deal.

As part of its restructuring plan, Ford was to close two more car or truck assembly factories by 2012, but no such closures will take place through the contract, which expires in 2011, said the people. Both requested anonymity because details of the contract have not yet been explained to union members.

UAW President Ron Gettelfinger and his top bargainers were to meet with local union leaders Monday in Dearborn to explain the agreement, reached at 3:20 a.m. Saturday after a bargaining session that lasted more than 40 hours.

About 54,000 UAW members at Ford will vote on the historic pact starting this week.